Lost reverse, can't get it back...

[duped]

Hello all, I've run into a snag and need some advice. Changed shift cable on my 86 alpha one. I know I have it routed properly, as the engine was out of the boat when I installed it. I followed all procedures down to the letter, including adjustments. This is actually the 3rd one I've done (first on this boat), so I have a good idea of what I'm doing, although I am no expert. Long story short, I can get forward with a very strong ratchet, but reverse has been a real struggle. Even when pulling the outdrive shift cable out by hand, ALL THE WAY, I cant get reverse to engage without jumping down and pushing the shift lever a little further on the lower unit. It sounds ridiculous, but it's like the cable is just not long enough, and I cannot make any adjustments to get it, since even when I pull by hand, it doesn't go. Any ideas?

I have already removed and re-installed the drive. The lower unit shifts by hand fine on the bench, and I didn't see any issues with the shift lever in the bellhousing, when I triple checked it.

 

[achris]

Re: Lost reverse, can't get it back...

Not too much slop in the coupler between the lower and intermediate shift shaft?

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: Lost reverse, can't get it back...

new cable not screwed in all the way.

 

[duped]

Re: Lost reverse, can't get it back...

Thanks for the inputs. Bt, I was very careful to make sure the new cable was threaded in all the way. I have the merc tool to install it.

There IS a bit of slop, because like I said, I can jump down and finish shifting it. However, I have trouble understanding why the old cable worked fine with the rest of the system that I am using now. I only changed it as a "while I have it apart" sort of thing, so any play in the rest of the system shouldn't have changed from then to now. I will probably get the stuff to re-do the shifter slides and shaft, but in the mean time I was just trying to see what else it may be. I'm getting to be at a loss. Thanks for the again for the inputs so far though. Keep them coming, hopefully I have an AH-HA moment soon.

 

[stonyloam]

Re: Lost reverse, can't get it back...

It might be that either the top of the intermediate shift shaft or the bottom of the upper shift shaft has gotten bent. Make sure they are straight. You might check your shift spool, there is a little paper chart and pointer that you can make to check the angle of the shift shaft. It is in the alpha I troubleshooting section of the manual. If the ss washer under the intermediate shift shaft is bent or missing it can add slop to the system.

 

[jackd1023]

Re: Lost reverse, can't get it back...

are you sure, I mean positive, that the "shoe" is facing the correct way when the shift shaft was installed? Don't ask how I know this......... When I changed the shift shaft seal and cable on mine it kind of happened to me .....

 

[duped]

Re: Lost reverse, can't get it back...

Well, ended up the little thing that catches the shoe down there was bent ever so slightly. I was able to tweak it and have full shifting again! Thanks for the inputs!

 

[ktbarrentine]

Re: Lost reverse, can't get it back...

Good lessons learned for others! Good job!